The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant (Armor) Larry M. Parsons, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty on 6 March 1970 while serving as pilot with Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date while piloting the command and control helicopter, Lieutenant Parsons was directed to fly to the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment which had become engaged in battle with a large, well equipped enemy force. As he arrived over Troop C, Lieutenant Parsons skillfully took up a station from which the regimental commander could best control artillery and direct air strikes upon the enemy positions. In spite of the low ceiling and the intense anti-aircraft fire, Lieutenant Parsons continued to hover low over the enemy positions enabling the commanding officer to adjust supporting fire and direct his ground maneuver elements. After the enemy had been routed, Lieutenant Parsons flew over the area at dangerously low altitude to obtain a damage assessment and to detect further enemy action. Flying low over the suspected enemy positions, Lieutenant Parsons’s aircraft was met by intense enemy fire which struck the propeller blades. Taking immediate evasive action, Lieutenant Parsons flew almost at ground level, evading the enemy fire until he could safely rise to an advantageous position. Second Lieutenant Parsons’s actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.